Arizonans who rely on SNAP may lose access to benefits in November due to government shutdown

PHOENIX — Arizonans could soon lose benefits they receive through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).

The reason for the potential lapse in Arizona SNAP benefits stems from federal funding issues, according to the Arizona Department of Economic Security (DES).

“Due to instruction from the United States Department of Agriculture, the Arizona Department of Economic Security will be unable to provide nutrition assistance (NA or SNAP) benefits in November until further notice from the USDA,” DES spokesman Brett Bezio told KTAR News 92.3 FM on Thursday.

Government shutdown impacting access to SNAP benefits in Arizona, other states

The federal program provides food assistance to around 40 million people each month.

Because it provides monthly funding to states to distribute benefits, the ongoing government shutdown threatens its ability to load November funds onto recipients’ SNAP cards.

“Approved participants of the SNAP program will be unable to collect November benefits until federal funding is released to states,” Bezio explained.

Despite the potential issues, DES will continue to accept and process SNAP applications, he added.

“Additional information will be provided as the situation changes,” Bezio said.

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